The Philippines was severely impacted by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced over a million residents.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, prompting the evacuation of 1.4 million residents across the country.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, emergency crews documented rising waters reaching rooftop levels and homes being swept away by the powerful currents.
Our team saved 14 individuals stranded on the roof engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” an emergency official explained. “A father also called in panic, saying the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
By Monday, authorities announced two fatalities: one from drowning on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Storm Intensity and Forecast
The super typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, where the capital is located.
Per the state weather service, the storm’s sustained wind speed decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, but gusts were still reaching over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency indicated efforts were ongoing to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate 92,000 families.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, that claimed at least 224 people and left dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing had to be suspended on Sunday over risks for rescue workers.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and frequent. This typhoon marks the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones striking the islands has risen doubled in the past twenty years.
International estimates suggest that severe weather events cause approximately millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The Philippine president issued an emergency declaration on Thursday because of the extensive devastation caused by the prior typhoon and the expected damage from the new storm.
